Question marks over whether Jim Davidson will appear in Llanelli

QUESTION marks are hanging over the appearance of a comedian in Llanelli next month, following his arrest.

Yesterday, the Post announced that Jim Davidson would appear at Llanelli's new theatre venue, Y Ffwrnes, in February.

But bosses at Carmarthenshire Theatres said they were unable to comment on whether or not the comic's performance on Valentine's Day would go ahead, after he was arrested and bailed by police, pending further inquiries, on suspicion of sexual offences.

Mr Davidson's solicitor said his client vigorously denied any wrong-doing.

It is understood his agent has been contacted, and the theatre is awaiting further details, which should become available today.

The £15.2 million theatre is at the heart of Llanelli's new East Gate development, which includes restaurants, shops and the recently opened Odeon multiplex cinema.

Mr Davidson, who has courted controversy in recent years, with his un-PC brand of comedy, performed in the Carmarthenshire town in March last year, at the now closed Theatr Elli.

The tour — Jim Davidson, The Legend — was the former Big Break and Generation Game presenter's first appearance in the town.

At the time, he told Post sister paper, the Llanelli Star: "I love the Welsh.

"They are a great example of a race that can have a good laugh at themselves."

He also spoke of his love of small venues — especially Swansea's Grand Theatre.

"It's lovely, it seats 1,100 people but I feel as if I'm sat on their lap," he said. "If you're in a bigger venue it's like talking into a void. I react a lot from the audience."

It was widely rumoured that Mr Davidson was due to appear on Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother, which aired last night, but the channel made no comment about the reports.

Mr Davidson, 59, was appointed an OBE in 2001 for his services to charity. He became a household name in 1976 after winning talent show, New Faces.